Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Early Childhood Education, Leadership, Nursery School and Preschool, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum
LOCATION
Franklin Lakes, NJ
POSTED
3 days ago
Nature-Based Early Childhood Program | Full-Time | $20–$23/hour
Are you an early childhood educator who believes children and teachers learn best through curiosity, exploration, relationships, and play?
Our warm, collaborative preschool community is seeking a passionate and reflective Lead Teacher for our shared learning community of toddlers. We are a teaching school where teachers and children learn together, and where educators are encouraged to bring their own interests, creativity, and love of learning into the classroom every day.
Located on a beautiful wooded campus, our program uses nature and the environment as an extension of the classroom. We value child-centered learning, meaningful relationships, collaboration, and professional growth. Many of our educators have been with us for more than ten years because they are supported, respected, and inspired in their work.
About Our School We are fortunate to have a gorgeous outdoor environment that allows children to explore, investigate, and learn through direct experiences in nature. Our approach draws inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Loose Parts, emergent curriculum, and play-based learning. In our classrooms:
Children’s interests help shape the learning experience
Teachers partner with children in discovery and exploration
Collaboration, reflection, and documentation are part of daily practice
Educators are encouraged to continue learning and growing professionally
Our staff loves to learn together, share ideas, and collaborate with one another and with ECE experts around the world.
Position Overview We are looking for educators who are thoughtful, flexible, observant, and excited to partner with young children in their learning.
Successful teachers in our program:
Create nurturing, engaging classroom environments
Observe children closely and respond thoughtfully to their interests and needs
Pivot and adapt throughout the day based on the energy and engagement of the classroom
Collaborate closely with co-teachers and leadership
Find joy in children’s discoveries and celebrate growth every day
Bring their own passions and curiosity into the classroom community
Qualifications
Passion for relationship-based, child-centered learning
Strong collaboration and communication skills
Ability to be flexible, reflective, and responsive in the classroom
Degree in Early Childhood Education, preferred, and eligible for higher compensation
Interest in nature-based education, emergent curriculum, or Reggio-inspired practices is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
$20–$23/hour, commensurate with experience
Higher compensation available for candidates with a degree in Early Childhood Education
Full-time, 40-week position
Professional development and career-building opportunities
Supportive leadership and collaborative teaching environment
Free temple membership for full-time employees
Requirements
Background check required
Fingerprinting required
Why Join Us? This is a school where educators are valued as professionals, learners, and collaborators. We believe teaching young children is meaningful, important work, and we invest in creating an environment where teachers feel supported, inspired, and connected.
If you are looking for a school community where you can grow professionally, learn alongside children, and work with deeply committed educators in a beautiful natural setting, we’d love to hear from you.